Posted on June 23, 2025 in Workplace Injuries

A spinal cord injury can happen in an instant, causing chronic pain or loss of function that can last a lifetime. These injuries often require long-term medical care and prevent you from returning to work for months or years. If you have been hurt on the job, an experienced Hollister, CA workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand how long you can receive benefits and how California law protects your right to support during recovery.

How Long Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Spinal Injuries in California?

Under California Labor Code § 4656, most injured workers can receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits for a single injury for up to 104 weeks within two years from the date of injury. These benefits help replace lost wages while you recover and are unable to work. However, spinal cord injuries are often serious enough to qualify for extended benefits. If your injury involves paralysis, significant nerve damage, or other severe neurological complications, you may be eligible to receive TTD for longer. As of January 1, 2025, the minimum weekly TTD benefit is $252.03.

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 Posted on June 20, 2025 in Workplace Injuries

If you suffered an injury in a trench collapse on a construction site in California, you do not need to sue your employer to recover compensation for your injuries. Instead, you need to file a workers’ compensation claim. California law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, allowing injured workers an avenue to compensation that offers fast benefits without the need to prove liability. A Gilroy, CA workers’ compensation attorney can help you determine the value of your claim and protect your right to adequate compensation.

What Should I Do After a Trench Collapse Injury on the Job?

The steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of a trench collapse injury on the job include:

• Seek medical attention if you did not receive emergency care.

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 Posted on June 15, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

The workers’ compensation process in California can be highly complex, even in seemingly straightforward workplace injury cases. If you were injured on the job and need assistance, you can contact a San Benito County workers’ compensation attorney anytime after the accident. Experienced attorneys can help with filing and pursuing a claim, handling everything from communication with the insurance company to gathering supporting evidence.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Workers’ Compensation Claim in California?

Sometimes, filing for workers’ comp is a straightforward process, but that is not always the case. Some common examples of times when you would benefit from hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney include:

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 Posted on June 06, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation benefits help injured employees get the financial support they need after a work-related injury without the need to prove fault. For some, these benefits are temporary – enough to keep you on your feet until you are healed and released to return to work. However, if you suffer severe injuries that profoundly impact your ability to work again, a Santa Clara County workers’ compensation attorney will guide you through the complex application process for permanent disability benefits.

What Are Permanent Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Permanent disability (PD) benefits offer long-term, sometimes lifetime, benefits through California’s workers’ compensation insurance program to accommodate individuals who suffer life-altering injuries in a workplace accident. These injuries often include injuries like paralysis, amputated limbs, and other serious, permanent changes that result in loss of earning capacity. If your injuries hinder you from performing the job that you did before or from working at all, PD benefits are designed to pay you for your lost earnings.

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 Posted on May 31, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation insurance covers the financial damages incurred from a work-related injury, and when the accident results in death, family members who financially depended on the victim can claim death benefits. For many, these benefits can have a significant impact on their financial stability during an emotionally challenging time. Learn more about the availability of death benefits, and reach out to an experienced Gilroy, CA workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your case.

Who Can Collect Death Benefits from a Workers’ Compensation Claim in California?

Those who are eligible to receive death benefits through a workers’ compensation claim in California are categorized as total or partial dependents. Relatives who qualify for death benefits include:

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 Posted on May 23, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Getting injured on the job can be devastating, physically, emotionally, and financially. The one solace is knowing that workers’ compensation benefits ensure you will receive the financial support you need to get you back on your feet. Unfortunately, employers sometimes retaliate, often over cost concerns, but California law is on your side. So, what does retaliation look like, and what can you do to combat it? An experienced San Benito County, CA workers’ compensation attorney will explain your rights and help you get the support you need.

What Does Employer Retaliation After a Workers’ Compensation Claim Look Like?

Sometimes, employer retaliation can be blatantly in your face, but more often than not, it is hidden in context. If you think your employer is acting differently after your workers’ comp claim, you are likely correct. Some common ways that retaliation manifests after you file include:

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 Posted on May 13, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Being injured on the job is stressful enough, but being accused of workers' compensation fraud adds a layer of fear and confusion that no honest worker should have to face. If you have received a notice of investigation or charges related to your workplace injury claim, you are not alone. False or mistaken fraud allegations happen more often than many people realize.

In California, workers’ compensation fraud is a serious accusation that can lead to criminal charges, job loss, and financial penalties. If you are facing this situation, it is important to take immediate steps to protect yourself with the help of our California workers’ compensation attorneys.

What Is Workers' Compensation Fraud?

Workers’ compensation fraud occurs when someone knowingly provides false information in order to obtain benefits. Under California law, this can include actions such as:

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 Posted on May 05, 2025 in Denied Claims and Appeals

If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, you may expect to take the matter before the state workers’ compensation board. But in some cases, workers are surprised to find that their employer is demanding arbitration instead. This can be confusing and frustrating — especially when you are already dealing with an injury and financial uncertainty.

Our firm takes pride in helping injured workers navigate the complexities of the California workers’ compensation system. Our Hollister, CA workers’ compensation lawyers offer free consultations and are committed to making sure injured workers are treated fairly, whether through traditional hearings or alternative dispute resolution.

When Is Arbitration Used in Workers’ Comp Disputes?

Arbitration is a form of dispute resolution where a neutral third party — the arbitrator — hears the case and issues a binding decision. It is less formal than a court hearing but still requires preparation and legal knowledge. In California, workers’ compensation claims are typically resolved through the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). However, in rare circumstances, arbitration may be introduced through an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement.

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 Posted on April 25, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Suffering the loss of a finger or hand in a workplace accident is one of the most serious and life-changing injuries a person can experience. These injuries often affect every aspect of a person’s life, from their physical ability to work and take care of themselves, to their long-term emotional and financial well-being.

If this has happened to you or someone you care about, it is important to understand your rights under California’s workers’ compensation system — and why working with an experienced Gilroy workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.

The Long-Term Impact of Losing a Hand or Finger

Your hands are essential to nearly everything you do. After an amputation or serious injury to a hand or finger, even simple daily tasks can become difficult or impossible. Many injured workers face ongoing challenges such as limited range of motion, permanent loss of function, or the inability to return to their prior job. Beyond the physical effects, these injuries often result in emotional distress, depression, and anxiety. Financial pressure can mount as medical bills increase and earning potential decreases.

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 Posted on April 20, 2025 in The Workers' Compensation Process in Calfornia

An equipment accident at a California workplace may leave you with broken bones, soft tissue damage, head or neck injuries, cuts and abrasions, and more. Fortunately, California law may entitle you to workers’ compensation benefits after a job-related injury, regardless of fault. Workers’ comp’ is available for one-time accidents, occupational illnesses, and repetitive stress injuries. 

Obtaining benefits depends on following state law during the workers’ comp claim process, which an experienced California workers’ compensation attorney at Cramer + Martinez can explain further in a free consultation. We have almost 30 years of combined workers’ compensation experience. 

Report Your Work Injury Immediately 

Inform your employer within 30 days of the equipment accident or when you became aware of the injury. Tell your supervisor in writing about the injury, when and where it happened, and any eyewitnesses. The sooner the injury is reported, the better for your claim. You may lose the right to workers’ compensation benefits if you report your equipment injury after more than 30 days. 

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